Fflewddur Fflam

Fflewddur Fflam is a good-hearted soul, much less interested in the pomp and circumstance of his role than in doing right---if children wander into his throne room, he'd far rather play hide-and-seek with them than chase them out. Inside, though, he has a dream. He wants to be a bard.

After obtaining a harp and practicing, he sets out for Caer Dathyl, the seat of the High King and Chief Bard Taliesin, hoping to be admitted. Unfortunately, his tests do not go at all well. However, the Chief Bard takes pity and offers him a wonderful gift in the form of a magical harp that "all but plays by itself", in Fflam's delighted words. Unfortunately, the harp has a flaw. Every time Fflam stretches the truth, which he is inclined to do "to improve the story", a string will snap on the harp. Even so, with this harp he is able to function as a bard, although still not properly enrolled as one.

Fflam meets the hero of the series, Taran, and Princess Eilonwy at Spiral Castle, the home of Queen Achren. Eilonwy mistakenly frees him from the dungeons on Taran's request. The three become good friends and end up sharing many adventures together.

Besides his harp, Fflam has another unique possession, if it may be called that, in the form of a gigantic cat, easily big enough to ride as a horse. The cat was enlarged by a spell cast by an unsuccessful would-be wizard and loves Fflam's harp music.